Section: Main Well

The 49ers All-Pro defensive tackle is inactive because of what the team is terming an elbow injury he sustained in last week’s win over the Patriots. Four-year veteran Ricky Jean Francois, 26, will make his fourth career start in place of Smith against an offense that ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards per game (160.7). The Seahawks arrive as just the fifth team in NFL history – and first since the 1963 Chargers – to score 50 points in back-to-back games. …

Niners tight end Delanie Walker lost a fumble last week against the Patriots and dropped a potential game-winning touchdown in a Week 13 loss at St. Louis, miscues which have overshadowed some of his recent production. …